READY : Resources for Early Acceleration and Development in Youth

Abstract

In 2022, the General Assembly made a historic investment in South Carolina’s children, allocating $3 million in recurring funds to be awarded to local First Steps partnerships through a grant-making process. South Carolina First Steps has since awarded Resources for Early Acceleration and Development in Youth (READY) grants across 33 counties, prioritizing programs for children ages 0-3, rural communities, and counties where Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) scores are consistently below the state average. In its inaugural year, READY funds have enabled First Steps to sustain and expand evidence-based parenting programs, increase the quality of child care, and address pressing workforce and infrastructure challenges.